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The 2021 NFL season is creeping closer by the day, with rookie camp in the books the Steelers training camp roster is all but set. We already know who the big players will be, but who among them will lead the Steelers in major individual stats categories? Below we will predict just that with our stat leader predictions.
Passing
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Yards - Ben Roethlisberger - 4,250
Touchdowns - Ben Roethlisberger - 36
The most obvious name on this list be the Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, who will once again spearhead the team’s passing attack in 2021. I do predict Ben won't have the luxury of resting the final game of the season, but instead will partake in all 17 games. The extra game helps Roethlisberger set a career mark in touchdown passes and a Top 5 career passing yardage type of season.
Rushing
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Yards - Najee Harris - 1,150
Touchdowns - Najee Harris - 9
The Steelers rookie back will undoubtedly be the team’s bell cow back from the opening whistle of the 2021 campaign. If he can stay healthy, Harris will have solid shot at breaking Franco Harris’ nearly 50 year record for rookie rushing yards in a season. With the amount I foresee the kid getting the ball, he should be in contention for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Receiving
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Yards - Chase Claypool - 1,250
Touchdowns - JuJu Smith-Schuster - 9
The 2021 season should be the year Chase Claypool takes the step as the Steelers’ clear cut number one target. A year of chemistry with Roethlisberger under his belt means Claypool should only grow as a receiver. I also see JuJu Smith-Schuster clawing his way back to a 1,000 yard season while also leading the receiving corps in touchdowns.
Defense
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Tackles - Devin Bush - 135
Sacks - T.J. Watt - 18.5
Forced Fumbles - T.J. Watt - 4
Interceptions - Minkah Fitzpatrick - 4
Knockdowns/Pass Defenses - Joe Haden - 16
A lot to unpack in this category but the most noteworthy being T.J. Watt putting up Defensive Player of the Year type numbers once again, but this time he’ll be too good to be ignored. Devin Bush also bursts back onto the scene as a tackling machine while Joe Haden and Minkah Fitzpatrick have another dominating season in the defensive backfield. All in all the Steelers defense should be as dominant as it has been in recent years.
But what do you think? Who will lead the Steelers individual stat categories? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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